ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
Kochi to host 16th Agricultural Science Congress in October
Kochi: The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute  will host the 16th Agricultural Science Congress  and Expo from October10 to 13 in Kochi. Organised by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences , New Delhi, the 16ASC will focus on the theme ‘Transformation of agri-food systems for achieving sustainable development goals ’. The Congress aims to bring together leading academicians, researchers, students, farmers, entrepreneurs, etc. from across the globe to exchange their research findings, ideas and experiences on all aspects of agri-food systems to draw a roadmap for achieving the SDGs of the United Nations.
The delegates and participants in the Congress will find ample opportunities to highlight their views and share knowledge on all issues related to agriculture and allied subjects and sustainability issues on land and water, agricultural production systems, products, agricultural machinery, economics, renewable and alternative energy, precision farming, alternative farming systems, coastal agriculture, next-generation technologies, etc. aiming to find ways to transform the sector to meet the UN SDGs.
The 16ASC will have plenaries, special invited lectures by eminent scientists, technical sessions, agri expo, symposia, panel discussions, student elocution, farmer and industry interactions, etc. covering topics such as food and nutritional security, climate actions for sustainable agri-food systems, emerging genetic technologies, livestock, horticulture, aquaculture and fisheries, nature-based solutions, next-gen technologies, policies etc.
More than 1500 delegates from India and abroad, a large number of farmers and the local public are expected to attend the event. The Agri Expo will showcase innovative agricultural technologies of public and private sector research institutes, universities, agro-industries, extension agencies and NGOs. Students from state agricultural universities, deemed to be agricultural universities and central agricultural universities can participate in the student elocution contest.
For more details, visit website: www.16asc2023.in Email: 16asc2023[at]gmail[dot]com
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding  signed between the National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan and Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences , India a Professional Body for joint research on air quality and climate change
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of the signing of Memorandum of Understanding  to establish collaborative guidelines between the National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan and Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences , India so as to carry out and implement joint research  on air quality and climate change. Also, no such MoUs were signed by the ARIES, Nainital in the similar areas of research with any other foreign bodies in the past.
The following are some of the possible activities: -
a) Joint use and operation of scientific instruments
b) Exchange of scientific and technical information on observing methods
c) Joint analysis of observational data and making scientific reports
d) Joint educational and research activities.
e) Exchange of visiting scholars, including PhD students for the purpose of conducting research.
f) Joint scientific workshops and/or seminars
About ARIES:
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences  is an Autonomous Research Institute established under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. ARIES is a centre of excellence for research in Astronomy & Astrophysics and Atmospheric Sciences. It carries out research on air pollution and climate change on earth, formation and evolution of sun, stars and galaxies. The research group of institute consists of research scientists, PhD students, postdocs and visiting scholars. The researchers are also involved in design and development of sophisticated and advanced scientific instruments and it is supported by a team of engineers and technical personnel who are involved in building and operating instruments at both the campuses - Manora Peak and Devasthal.
About NIES:
The National Institute for Environmental Studies  is Japan's only research institute that undertakes a broad range of environmental research in an interdisciplinary and comprehensive manner. NIES works to produce scientific findings on environmental protection. NIES is working on research projects that include consolidating the institute's research foundation through basic research, data acquisition and analysis, preservation and provision of environmental samples. NIES believes on four keywords  to pursue environmental research, that is providing the maximization of Japan's entire research and development results, for bridging the gap between the scientific community and society, as well as for the advancement of environmental policy in Japan and other countries.
President's Secretariat
President of India Presents Vayoshreshtha Sammans
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented the Vayoshreshtha Sammans – a scheme of National Awards for senior citizens of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment - today  in New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that senior citizens are important parts of our social and national life. He noted that Central and State Governments are taking various steps - such as Ayushman Bharat, concessional rail fair, savings schemes for senior citizens, old age pensions – to make their lives easy.
The President said that while appreciating the efforts made by governments and NGOs, we should also take some responsibilities at own level for our senior citizens. Together we must maintain an environment in which they have freedom of thoughts and expressions. We have to make them feel that their contributions are useful for family and society. This will give them a sense of self-satisfaction and their body and mind will remain healthy.
The President said that young generation should always remember that elder people symbolize our legacy and heritage. By giving them due respect and help, youth can progress in their lives. He said that all generations should live in harmonious coexistence and keep our culture of joint family intact. Nature has built an unbreakable relationship between each generation so that our experience, knowledge and skills can be transferred seamlessly to the next generations.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment and Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment.
Click here to see speech
Ministry of Home Affairs
Shri Amit Shah presides over the 5th International Ramayan Festival as Chief Guest
Everyone must imbibe values from Ramayan in their lives and strive to become an ideal human being: Shri Amit Shah
Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah presided as Chief Guest over the 5th International Ramayan Festival organized by Indian Council for Cultural Relations , in New Delhi today.
The Home Minister said that ICCR was established with the vision of propagating Indian culture and its values to the whole world. There is no other better way to realize this vision than organizing the Ramayan festival, he added.
Shri Shah said that International Ramayan Festival is being organized for 5th year in row, during which 17 countries have participated with their artists and rendered their versions of Ramayan. Ramayan is one such scripture that has transcended Personal, Societal, Religious, Cultural and National boundaries and reached a Global audience, he added.
The Home Minister noted that Ramayan is the treasure of centuries old Indian culture and has solutions to all problems in the world. It is an unparalleled creation by Maharishi Valmiki on the life and values of an ideal human being. It beautifully depicts the highs and lows of human life and answers questions on morality and ethics arising out of difficult situations in life.
Shri Shah added that Ramayan goes beyond this and has even explained difficult concepts like good governance, art of war, science and technology, protecting dignity of women, among others, through conversations between the different characters in the scripture.
In the end, Shri Shah congratulated ICCR and its efforts to take Indian culture and its ambassador 'Ramayan', to the whole world. He concluded his address by appealing to all people to imbibe values from Ramayan in their lives and strive to become an ideal human being.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Organic Villages
The Krishi Vigyan Kendras  are mandated for technology assessment and demonstration for its application and capacity development. KVKs organize training for farmers and extension personnel on organic agriculture including production and use of organic inputs. The KVKs organized 4687 such training programmes with participation of 1.37 lakh farmers and extension personnel during last three years.
KVKs of Sikkim State are organizing all its activities on organic agriculture as the Sikkim Government has declared it as Organic State.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to cyclone in Tamil Nadu
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to cyclone in Tamil Nadu.
The Prime Minister said, “My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives due to cyclonic conditions in parts of Tamil Nadu. I pray for the quick recovery of those injured. Officials are working towards providing all possible assistance in the wake of the cyclone.
Spoke to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Edappadi K. Palaniswami regarding the situation arising due to cyclone conditions in the state. Assured all possible help from the Centre. I pray for the safety and well-being of the people of Tamil Nadu”.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Nation pays homage to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on his 64th Mahaparinirvan Diwas
On the 64th Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind led the nation in paying homage to him at the statue of Baba Saheb at Sansad Bhavan Lawns in the Parliament House complex this morning. He offered floral tributes at his statue. The Vice President of India and Chairman Rajya Sabha Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Speaker, Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla also offered floral tribute to Dr. Ambedkar.
Among other leaders who paid floral tribute to Baba Saheb included former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale, Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar and other dignitaries.
The function was organized by the Ambedkar Foundation, an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
PIB Headquarters
WORKSHOP ON GST HELD AT CGO TOWER
The Regional office of the Textile Commissioner, Bangalore in association with Power loom Service Centre conducted a Workshop on ‘Goods and Services Tax ’ here at CGO Towers, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad on Friday.
Smt. Shailaja Ramaiyer, Director of Handlooms& Textiles and Apparel Export Parks , Government of Telangana was the Chief Guest for the workshop. Smt. Vaishali Malhotra, Joint Director, National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics, Hyderabad was the Guest of Honor.
Textiles industry people from different parts of Telangana state participated at the workshop and clarified queries from the experts during the workshop. Shri Gopi, Donthireddy, Dy. Director, National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics, Hyderabad Shri Rajesh Kumar, Asst. Director& OIC Power loom Service centre and Shri Guarav Gupta, Asst Director &OIC, regional Office of the Textile Commissioner, Bangalore were also present.
Competition Commission of India
Competition Commission of India engages with States to boost competition advocacy
The Competition Commission of India  organised a training and orientation programme for Resource Persons for competition advocacy to sensitize them on competition law and CCI's enforcement and advocacy efforts here today. Resource persons from Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and UT Puducherry particiapted.
Shri Ashok Kumar Gupta, Chairperson, CCI, in his welcome address underlined the pivotal role of States in taking competition law deeper in the country and in boosting CCI's efforts to make markets across India competition compliant. He elaborated upon how the CCI's Resource Person scheme at the State level aims at sensitizing the State machinery on competition matters, especially public procurement. He encouraged the Resource Persons to undertake more and more Advocacy work by organizing seminar, workshop, and use competition toolkit developed by it.
Prime Minister's Office
PM to address the 75th Amrut Mahotav of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan on 24th December
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will address the 75th Amrut Mahotav of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan on 24th December, 2022 at 11 AM via video conferencing.
Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan was established at Rajkot in 1948 by Gurudev Shastriji Maharaj Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami. The Sansthan has expanded and currently has more than 40 branches all over the world, providing facilities for school, undergraduate and postgraduate education to more than 25,000 students.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Maha Saptami of Navratri
Seeks blessings of Maa Kalratri
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted people on the auspicious occasion of Maha Saptami of Navratri. Shri Modi has also sought the blessings of Maa Kalratri for all her devotees and also shared recital of prayers  of Maa Kalratri.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
"सुखप्रसन्नवदनां स्मेराननसरोरुहाम्।
एवं सञ्चियन्तयेत्कालरात्रिं सर्वकामसमृद्धिदाम्॥
देशवासियों को नवरात्रि की महासप्तमी की मंगलकामनाएं। मां कालरात्रि की करुणा और कृपा से आप सभी का जीवन ज्योतिर्मय और सुखमय हो। उनसे जुड़ी एक स्तुति…"
Election Commission
Voting in Phase II of the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Jharkhand, 2019
The Second Phase of Elections to Jharkhand Legislative Assembly took place in 20 Assembly Constituencies  today. Polling was accordingly held in seven districts namely East Singhbhum, Seraikella-Kharsawan, West Singhbhum, Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla and Simdega. The highlights are as follows:
- 18 of the 20 ACs are naxal affected.
- 4,478 out of 6,066 polling stations  were categorized as critical; adequate security arrangements were made.
- 1,455 polling stations required dispatching polling teams two days in advance.
- 4 choppers were deployed to drop 346 polling personnel.
- This phase covered 48,25,038 voters, including 10,492 service voters and 62,565 PwD voters. 260 Candidates including 29 female candidates are in fray.
- 5,847 Volunteers facilitated bringing PwD voters from their houses to the polling stations. 2,079 vehicles were deployed to facilitate their transport. 2,934 wheelchairs were provided at the Polling Stations.
- The Commission put in place an elaborate mechanism to curb the misuse of money power. Total value of seizures across the State till today is Rs 16.0Crore.
- In three Assembly Constituencies of Phase-II  AC 284 PS), the newly introduced Booth App was used successfully.  This app enables capturing and providing real time information on number of voters in queue at the polling station to the voters.
- Approx voter turnout figures:
At the time of release of the Press Note, the voting in some of the Polling Stations was still going on. The final Voting Turnout will be known after the verification and scrutiny of Presiding Officers’ Diaries and other documents. As of reports received till 5.00 pm, the approximate voter turnout figure for all the 20 ACs of 2ndphase today is 62.40%. The final voter turnout in LAE 2014 for these 20 ACs was 68.01%.
- EVMs& VVPATs :
No complaint regarding EVM/VVPAT have been reported during the poll today. Across the 20 ACs today, as per figures received till now, only 0.20% BUs, 0.20% CUs and 0.69% VVPATs were replaced.
- Incidents on the Poll Day:The CEO/General Observers have reported the following incidents
- At around 9.30 AM, a scuffle broke out between RPF deployed at PS-36, Sisai AC, Gumla District and few villagers. As per report , few villagers tried to overpower a jawan and snatch his weapon. In the ensuing incidence villagers started stone pelting on jawans who then opened fire. In the incidence one Jilani Ansari  died due to bullet injury, while two other villagers sustained injury. Police officials from district police as well as RPF too got injuries. Repoll is being ordered.
- One arson incident happened in 52-Chaibasa when a bus engaged for facilitating transport of voters to relocated booth of 84- Primary School Jojohatu-1 to Middle School Pandavir. No injury reported.
- Today evening Naxals opened fire on one polling team returning back in Adki Block in Tamar AC of Khunti District. Search and rescue operations are on.
Ministry of Defence
Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrated at War memorial, Pangode
The Pangode Military Station commemorated the 22nd Anniversary of the glorious victory during Kargil Operations with traditional military ceremonies. The solemn ceremony of paying homage to the brave men of the Indian Armed Forces who laid down their lives for the country, commenced with Brigadier Kartik Seshadri VSM, Station Commander, Pangode Military Station laying a wreath at the War Memorial. The ceremony was witnessed by all the Men and Officers of Pangode Military Station with the Army band in attendance.
A documentary about the Kargil war was screened at the Camp. Blood donation camp was also organized.
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Vice President's Secretariat
Make Sanskrit easy to learn for masses: Vice President
Calls for popularizing Sanskrit; suggests simplifying words
Urges all state governments and the Centre to impart education up to high school in mother tongue
Addresses 50th session of All India Oriental Conference
Cautioning that the culture and history it represents will disappear when a language becomes extinct, the Vice President, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu called for popularizing the usage of Sanskrit by simplifying the words.
Inaugurating the 50th session of All India Oriental Conference in Nagpur today, the Vice President said Sanskrit should be simplified so that common man understands it. New words can be added as and when required.
Observing that a language should not be seen through the prism of religion or community, Shri Naidu said “Vedas, Upanishads and Sanskrit belong to the entire country. Everybody should have access to learn a language.”
He wanted all ancient books to be translated into various regional languages for the younger generation to understand the culture, traditions and history of India.
In this context, Shri Naidu pointed out that extensive research on Sanskrit was being undertaken in Germany, while India was not paying adequate attention to the growth and promotion of the language.
Highlighting the importance of literary and linguistic sources in history writing, Shri Naidu said that a language was not just a medium of communication and rather it represents a whole culture – a whole civilisation.
“Our languages are a common thread that connects us with our past and the future,” he added.
Observing that India has around 19,500 languages and dialects, the Vice President expressed his concern that around 196 languages were reportedly facing extinction.
Asserting that no nation would make progress if it neglects its history, the Vice President wanted the education system to be revamped to include real Indian history and stories about heroes such as Tukaram, Gyaneswar, Narayan Guru, Alluri Sitaramaraju and Veerapandian Kattabomman and others.
Shri Naidu called for increasing the usage of Indian languages in education, administration and in daily life. He urged all state governments and Centre to provide education up to high school in local official languages or mother tongue.
The Union Minister for Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Energy Minister of Govt of Maharashtra, Shri Nitin Raut, Vice Chancellor, Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Professor Shrinivasa Varakhedi, President All India Oriental Conference, Prof. Gautam Patel, and others were present.
President's Secretariat
President of India addresses fourth edition of ‘the Huddle’ – annual thought conclave of the Hindu; says project of democracy is incomplete without informed citizens – which means, without unbiased journalism
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, addressed the fourth edition of ‘The Huddle’ – annual thought conclave of the Hindu in Bengaluru today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that he was happy to attend ‘The Huddle’ organised by The Hindu, a name that connotes not only India’s cultural diversity but also covers a sweep of history which is unparalleled in the world in civilisational context. He said that the Hindu group of publications has been relentlessly aiming to capture the essence of this great country through its responsible and ethical journalism. He commended them for their insistence on sticking to the five basic principles of journalism – truth-telling, freedom and independence, justice, humaneness and contributing to the social good.
The President said that debate and discussion are internalised in India’s social psyche to arrive at truth since time immemorial. There is no doubt that perception of truth is conditioned by circumstances. The conditions that cloud the truth’s positions are effectively dispelled by a contestation of ideas through debate, discussion and scientific temper. Prejudices and violence vitiate the search for truth.
The President said that sometimes, dogmas and personal prejudices distort the truth. In the 150th year of Gandhiji’s birth, let us ponder upon this question: will it not be proper to pursue truth itself as the ideology? Gandhiji has shown us the path by walking ceaselessly in search of truth which would ultimately encompass every positive attribute that enriches the universe.
The President said that the internet and social media have democratized journalism and revitalized democracy. This process is ongoing, but in its current stage, it has also led to many anxieties. The new media is fast and popular and people can choose what they want to watch, hear or read. But only the traditional media has, over years, developed skills to authenticate a news report, and that is a costly operation. He expressed hope that we would arrive at the ideal trade-off soon. He said that in the meanwhile, the traditional media would have to introspect on its role in society and find ways to earn the reader’s full trust again. The project of democracy is incomplete without informed citizens – which means, without unbiased journalism.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people of Madhya Pradesh on Statehood Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Madhya Pradesh on Statehood Day.
"मध्य प्रदेश के निवासियों को राज्य के स्थापना दिवस की बहुत-बहुत बधाई।
Greetings to the people of MP on their Statehood Day. The state is making remarkable progress in key sectors and is making a long-lasting contribution in realising our dream of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat", the Prime Minister said.